Cresols are organic compounds called methylphenols that used as precursors to plastics, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and dyes. There are three forms of cresols - ortho-cresol, meta-cresol, and para-cresol - that occur separately or as a mixture called cresylic acid or tricresol. Cresols are used in a number of industrial and consumer applications. These are extensively used as antioxidants, resins and plasticizers, pesticides, dyes, deodorizing and odor-enhancing compounds, fragrances, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals. Commercial cresols can be obtained from natural or synthetic sources.

Cresol is available in varying degrees of purity in the market. Commercial grades usually contain 90% to 99% of cresylic acid. Companies such as SABIC Innovative Plastics and Lanxess have strong presence in the value chain. They engage in captive consumption of cresols for the production of antioxidants. Thus, these companies gain distinct competitive advantage over other manufacturers.

Demand for vitamin E is rising owing to its extensive application in dietary supplements, animal feed additives, etc. This, in turn, is anticipated to fuel growth of the cresols market during the forecast period. Cresols are subject to strict mandates from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as they are harmful air pollutants. This is likely to be a restraining factor for the market growth in the near future. Increasing demand for cresols in industrial applications such as automotive and electronics is estimated to open up new growth avenues for the market.

In terms of volume, para-cresols was the largest product segment of the cresols market, accounted above 45% of the global cresols market in 2014. It was followed by meta-cresols in 2014. Para-cresols are chiefly consumed in the production of antioxidants and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). BHT is used as an antioxidant in products such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and rubber. Additionally, it is used as a fuel additive in hydraulic fluids, turbine and gear oils, and jet fuels. However, rising pressure on the consumption and pricing of BHT is expected to hamper demand for para-cresols in the near future. Meta-cresols are used as a precursor of synthetic vitamin E. Demand for vitamin E is rising in dietary supplements and fortification of food & beverages. Changing lifestyle and food habits in developing countries coupled with fluctuation in nutrition content of food owing to adulteration are major factors driving demand for these dietary supplements. Furthermore, increase in meat consumption has boosted demand for animal feed additives. This, in turn, is augmenting demand for meta-cresols.

In terms of volume, chemical intermediates was the largest application segment of the global cresols market, accounting more than 60% of the global cresols market in 2014. It is expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. Solvents was the second-largest application segment of the cresols market in 2014 owing to their extensive usage in wire enamel applications.

In terms of volume, Asia Pacific dominated the cresols market in 2014, accounting for about 45% of the global cresols market. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing regional segment during the forecast period, led by expansion in the chemical industry in China, India, and countries in ASEAN. Europe followed Asia Pacific in terms of demand in 2014. North America is also estimated to exhibit above-average growth in the cresols market during the forecast period.

Key players operating in the cresols market include Sasol Phenolics, Atul Ltd, SABIC Innovative Plastics, and Lanxess AG. The market for cresols is in a constant state of consolidation, with consumption shifting to countries in Asia such as China and India.

Cresols are aromatic organic compounds of monomethyl phenols that are widely used as precursors or chemical intermediates in the production of polymer resins, plasticizers, antioxidants, solvents, vitamin E, rubbers, pharmaceuticals, fragrances, dyes, and other chemicals. There are three forms of cresols: ortho-cresol (o-cresol), meta-cresol (m-cresol), and para-cresol (p-cresol). They differ slightly in their chemical structure. These forms occur separately or as a mixture.

This report forecasts and analyzes the cresols market on global and regional levels. The study provides historic data for 2014 coupled with forecast from 2015 to 2023 based on volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$ Mn). It includes drivers and restraints for the cresols market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. Additionally, the study comprises opportunities available in the cresols market. Detailed value chain analysis has been included to provide a comprehensive view of the cresols market. Analysis of Porter’s Five Forces Model for the cresols market has also been included to help understand the competitive landscape in the market.

The study analyzes the cresols market by segmenting it based on products, applications, and regions. Regional segmentation includes current and forecast demand for North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The segmentation comprises demand for cresols in products and applications across all regions. Product segmentation includes meta-cresols, para cresols, and ortho-cresols, while application segmentation comprises chemical intermediates, solvents, preservatives, antioxidants, and other applications.

Prices of cresols vary in each region. Hence, a similar volume-to-revenue ratio does not follow for each individual region. Regional average price has been considered while breaking down the market into product segments and applications in each region. Market numbers have been estimated based on demand for various types of cresols such as meta-cresols, para-cresols, and ortho-cresols and applications such as chemical intermediates, solvents, preservatives, antioxidants, and others. Other applications include fragrances and dyes. The chemical intermediate segment includes application of cresol in the synthesis of vitamin E, insecticide, herbicide, antioxidants, pharmaceuticals, and plant protection. The solvent segment includes application of cresol in wire enamels, whereas the preservative segment consists of pharmaceutical items such as injection solutions for insulin. Market size and forecast for each product segment and application have been provided in the context of the global and regional market. The cresols market has been analyzed based on expected demand. Prices considered for calculation of revenue are average regional prices obtained through primary quotes from numerous regional suppliers, distributors, and direct selling regional producers based on manufacturer feedback and application requirement.

In order to compile the research report, we conducted in-depth interviews and discussions with a wide range of key industry participants and opinion leaders. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. We reviewed key players’ product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents for competitive analysis and market understanding. Secondary research includes a search of recent trade, technical writing, Internet sources, and statistical data from government websites, trade associations, and agencies. This has proven to be the most reliable, effective, and successful approach for obtaining precise market data, capturing industry participants’ insights, and recognizing business opportunities.

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